Dandelion in my salad, in my saute pan, and in my tea…maybe even a little dandelion wine in my glass 😉 I love those little buggers, and it got me thinking…what other ways can I incorporate this underused wonder? There’s no denying the health benefits of dandelions, and I always find myself asking why we started hating them. Besides, I happen to enjoy a thorough smattering of dandelions in my yard once a year. What’s the problem anywho??

I was browsing the interwebz on a quest to find some dandelion inspiration when lo and behold I came across The Nerdy Farm Wife’s recipe for dandelion lotion bars…Brilliant! Just what I was looking for. I couldn’t wait to make my own version, so I ran out to the yard and picked a bowl of yellow magnificence from my very own supply of organic dandelions (they’re naturally organic because I don’t use any toxic treatments on my lawn, and I made sure to pick the flowers from the front yard away from all the dog poo).

I knew right away what I wanted to add to the original recipe to make a supercharged moisturizing and healthy lotion bar. A little coconut oil, Epsom salt and citrus essential oils are just right for spring!

I just love these little dandelion-infused lotion bars because they’re like lip balm for your hands. Just rub one between your hands and a thin layer melts off and coats your skin like a light lotion.

Dandelion-infused Oil

Gather about 2 cups of dandelion flowers and let dry for 1-2 days.

Using a 16oz glass jar, fill half way with dandelions and use sunflower oil to fill the remainder of the jar.

Set your glass jar in a small pan filled with a couple inches of simmering water, and let the dandelions steep in the oil for 3 hours on low. Stir several times an hour.

Strain out the dandelions and store the oil in a glass jar (I just use regular canning jars with lids).

Sure, Pam! You can also use mango butter or cocoa butter. They work just as well and are also widely available. ~Laura

shellos8

Laura, I make and sell lotion bars, among other things, but I have never heard of using epsom salts in lotion bars. I assume they will dissolve along with the shea butter when heated?? What is the reason for adding them to a lotion bar? This recipe looks great and I’m def going to try it but just had a couple questions first. Thank you!